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Australian Journal of Chemistry

Australian Journal of Chemistry

Australian Journal of Chemistry - an International Journal for Chemical Science publishes research papers from all fields of chemical science, with a focus on multidisciplinary chemistry and emerging areas of research. Read more about the journalMore

Editors-in-Chief: George Koutsantonis and John Wade

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Australian Journal of Chemistry is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 23 September 2025

CH25124One-pot iterative native chemical ligation–desulfurisation chemistry leveraging a coumarin-based photolabile protecting group for cysteine

Lucas Kambanis, Timothy S. Chisholm, Peter H. G. Egelund, Sameer S. Kulkarni and Richard J. Payne 0000-0002-3618-9226
 

A graphic showing the one-pot iterative ligation–desulfurisation method using 7-diethylamino-3-methyl coumarin.

This communication reports an iterative one-pot native chemical ligation–desulfurisation method using 7-diethylamino-3-methyl coumarin (DEAMC) as a cysteine protecting group. Selective desulfurisation is conducted in the presence of DEAMC-protected cysteine, enabling subsequent photodeprotection and ligation without purification. The utility of this strategy was demonstrated by the efficient one-pot synthesis of a 60-residue mucin-1 peptide. (Image credit: Lucas Kambanis.)

This article belongs to the collection: 70th Birthday tribute to Professor David Craik.

CH25124 Abstract  |  CH25124 Full Text  | CH25124PDF (1.5 MB)  | CH25124Supplementary Material (888 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 23 September 2025

CH25104Cobalt oxide-based catalysts for acidic oxygen evolution reactions

Huihui Li 0009-0003-3759-0323, Shuhao Wang 0000-0002-6917-6800 and Chuan Zhao 0000-0001-7007-5946
 

Graphic showing Co3O4 catalysts in water electrolysis for acidic oxygen evolution reactions.

Recent advances in the development of Co3O4-based catalysts for acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are reviewed, highlighting structural, electronic and design strategies to enhance activity and stability for practical proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis applications. Co3O4 is a promising non-precious alternative to noble metals like IrO2 and RuO2, but long-term stability remains a challenge. The review emphasises key engineering techniques, such as doping, surface modification and defect engineering, to enhance performance for large-scale PEM application. (Image credit: Huihui Li.)

This article belongs to the collection: 2024–25 RACI and AAS Award papers.

CH25104 Abstract  |  CH25104 Full Text  | CH25104PDF (3.5 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 22 September 2025

CH25080Liver microsome stability of N-methylated cyclic hexapeptides is decreased by the presence of cis-amide bonds

Huy N. Hoang, David P. Fairlie and Timothy A. Hill 0000-0001-9727-9930
 

A bar graph with chemical diagrams showing the relative liver microsomal clearance of stable and unstable N-methylated cyclic hexapeptides.

Hepatic stability is crucial for achieving oral bioavailability, as drugs rapidly metabolised by the liver fail to reach effective blood concentrations. This study evaluated the rat liver microsomal stability of N-methylated cyclic hexapeptides. Despite similar sequences, large differences in stability emerged. Poor stability correlated strongly with the presence of cis-amide bonds. NMR and modelling confirmed that cis geometry exposes N-methyl groups to enzymatic attack. These findings identify a cis-amide bond as a key metabolic liability in cyclic peptide drug design. (Image credit: Huy Hoang and Timothy Hill.)

This article belongs to the collection: 70th Birthday tribute to Professor David Craik.

CH25080 Abstract  |  CH25080 Full Text  | CH25080PDF (1.9 MB)  | CH25080Supplementary Material (110 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 17 September 2025

CH25082A peptide journey through the scientific discoveries of David Craik – a personal reflection

Christian W. Gruber 0000-0001-6060-7048
 

Photograph of David Craik on a field trip, navigating the team through the mist.

This article reflects on the groundbreaking contributions of Professor David Craik to peptide science. His discovery and characterisation of cyclotides – circular plant peptides tied together by a cystine knot – reshaped our understanding of protein stability and inspired new ways to design medicines. From uncovering the enzymes behind peptide cyclisation to pioneering plant-based production of drugs, David’s work bridges structural biology, biodiversity and translational science, leaving a lasting impact on both fundamental research and practical applications. (Photograph by Christian Gruber.)

This article belongs to the collection: 70th Birthday tribute to Professor David Craik.

CH25082 Abstract  | PDF (1.4 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 05 September 2025

CH25034Preparation of dibenzimidazolium fluorescence probe based on binaphthol and the detection of Al3+

Yingjie Liu, Linhai Hu and Qingxiang Liu 0000-0001-7824-3318
 

Schematic of dibenzimidazolium salt and a graph of fluorescence.

A dibenzimidazolium salt based on binaphthol (1) was synthesised. The recognition of compound 1 for Al3+ was studied by fluorescence spectra, ultraviolet spectra, 1H NMR, HRMS and IR spectra. The high K value for 1·Al3+ indicated that 1 had strong binding force for Al3+. The low detection limit indicated that 1 was sensitive to the detection of Al3+. Compound 1 as a fluorescence probe can effectively distinguish Al3+ from other cations. (Image credit: Qingxiang Liu.)

CH25034 Abstract  | PDF (2 MB) - $35.00   | CH25034Supplementary Material (951 KB)
Published online 05 September 2025

CH25027Comparison of electronic cigarette chemical composition across Australia

Caitlin Jenkins 0000-0003-2083-6350, Jody Morgan 0000-0001-5493-849X and Celine Kelso
 

Graphic showing map of Australia and analysis pathyway for determining the chemical composition of e-cigarettes.

This study looked at the chemical analysis of electronic cigarette products available around Australia from a variety of store types. Results showed that many of these products contained nicotine despite regulations limiting its inclusion and inaccurate labelling, with some also containing the hazardous chemical cinnamaldehyde. (Image credit: Caitlin Jenkins.)

CH25027 Abstract  |  CH25027 Full Text  | CH25027PDF (1.3 MB)  | CH25027Supplementary Material (387 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 September 2025

CH25056Effective enhancement of CO2 capture performance of solid amine adsorbents prepared from diethylenetriamine-modified mesoporous silica: optimisation experiments and kinetic calculations

Huipeng Zhao, Jingsi Yang, Heli Tian, Kunjie Li 0000-0002-1742-6433, Ruihong Zhao, Xiaoqing Liu, Pingxia Zhang, Xiaoxue Niu, Guicai Wu and Haoming Li
 

A graphic showing steps of DETA loading into MCM-48-C for CO2 adsorption.

DETA loading into MCM-48-C resulted in a more uniform distribution of DETA due to the presence of surfactant inside the carrier. Solid amine adsorbents adsorb CO2 at low temperature or high pressure and desorb it at high temperature or low pressure. Solid amine adsorbents generate carbamate during CO2 adsorption. (Image credit: Huipeng Zhao.)

CH25056 Abstract  | PDF (4.4 MB) - $35.00   | CH25056Supplementary Material (289 KB)
Published online 02 September 2025

CH25087One-electron oxidation and protonation of diferrocenylphenylphosphine

Corina Stoian 0000-0002-9795-4702, Serhiy Demeshko, Malte Fischer 0000-0002-2806-1302 and Jens Beckmann 0000-0002-8548-1821
 

Structures of stable cationic phosphorus species.

Formally, the two ions [Fc2PhP]+ and [Fc2PhPH]+ differ only by the mass of a proton. Although the molecular structures established by single crystal X-ray crystallography show very close resemblance, the spectroscopic properties (77Fe Mößbauer, 31P NMR, UV-Vis) are very different. The ion [Fc2PhP]+ comprises a phosphorus centred radical cation rather than a mixed valent FeII/FeIII species. (Image credit: Corina Stoian.)

This article belongs to the collection: 10th Heron Island conference.

CH25087 Abstract  | PDF (1.3 MB) - $35.00   | CH25087Supplementary Material (1.4 MB)
Published online 02 September 2025

CH25071Proline hydroxylation and C-terminal amidation in µ-conotoxins increase structural stability and potency at sodium channels

Victoria A. Adegoke, Yashad Dongol, Tye Gonzalez, Angela Song, Richard J. Clark, Richard J. Lewis 0000-0003-3470-923X, Anne C. Conibear 0000-0002-5482-6225 and K. Johan Rosengren
 

Diagram showing the various structure and function assays used to study conotoxin posttranslational modifications.

Conotoxins serve as useful model peptides to understand the effects of protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs). Here, we focus on proline hydroxylation and C-terminal amidation of conotoxins PIIIA and TIIIA. Structure and function assays highlight distinct roles of these PTMs in oxidative folding, structural integrity and activity at sodium channels, advancing our understanding of PTM function in conotoxin pharmacology. (Image credit: Anne C. Conibear.)

This article belongs to the collection: 70th Birthday tribute to Professor David Craik.

CH25071 Abstract  |  CH25071 Full Text  | CH25071PDF (1.6 MB)  | CH25071Supplementary Material (4.3 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 29 August 2025

CH25081Electrophilic fragment screening using native mass spectrometry to identify covalent probes for surface cysteines

Jack W. Klose 0000-0002-4084-1870, Yezhou Yu 0009-0007-9173-549X, Giovanna Di Trapani 0000-0003-2583-5832, Kathryn F. Tonissen 0000-0002-1018-2798, Louise M. Sternicki 0000-0001-6158-663X and Sally-Ann Poulsen 0000-0003-4494-3687
 

Schematic of surface exposed cysteine residues of carbonic anhydrase III and a spectrum of native mass spectrometry peaks.

Native mass spectrometry (nMS) was applied to screen an electrophilic covalent fragment library to identify ligands for the surface exposed cysteine residues of a soluble protein (carbonic anhydrase III), to determine which cysteines were modified and to measure the simultaneous binding of an orthosteric noncovalent inhibitor and covalent fragment hit. (Image credit: S.-A. Poulsen and L. M. Sternicki.)

This article belongs to the collection: 70th Birthday tribute to Professor David Craik.

CH25081 Abstract  |  CH25081 Full Text  | CH25081PDF (2 MB)  | CH25081Supplementary Material (1.3 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 August 2025

CH25035A red-emission fluorescent probe for monitoring polarity changes during ER stress induced by DTT

Xue Zhang, Feiyang Ding, Jiale Li, Aobo Sun, Sichen Zhang, Jie Wang, Lei Hu and Hui Wang 0000-0002-5253-1204
 

Three schematics showing the molecular structures of the ER-targeting compounds, and two confocal images of HepG2 cells.

A series of red-emission compounds (ER-A, ER-B, ER-C) have been constructed using methyl sulfonamide as the ER-targeting moiety. These compounds can effectively detect environmental polarity changes within a defined range. ER-A exhibits high ER localisation accuracy (colocalisation coefficient = 0.9) and detects polarity changes under ER stress. This work provides a novel tool for monitoring ER polarity and studying related diseases. (Image credit: Xue Zhang.)

CH25035 Abstract  | PDF (2.7 MB) - $35.00   | CH25035Supplementary Material (1.6 MB)
Published online 12 August 2025

CH25050An unusual triterpene fatty acid conjugate from Dodonaea caespitosa

Andrew M. Bloomfield 0000-0003-4449-6872, Eugene Eades, Hendra Gunosewoyo 0000-0003-3897-1948 and Alan D. Payne 0000-0003-4530-6348
 

Chemical structure of the betulin conjugate 2 extracted from Dodonaea caespitosa.

The south-west of Western Australia is a biodiversity hotspot, where collaborations between local communities and scientists play a pivotal role in the study of native plants. The leaf resin of Dodonaea caespitosa, growing in Nowanup, contained only two compounds, one of which was an unusual bioconjugate comprising a triterpene, a cutin monomer and a p-hydroxycinnamate. This natural product was the first isolated to date and will help our understanding of the biology and ecology of this plant. (Image credit: Andrew M. Bloomfield.)

CH25050 Abstract  |  CH25050 Full Text  | CH25050PDF (836 KB)  | CH25050Supplementary Material (5.5 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 August 2025

CH25003Friedel–Crafts chemistry. Part 64. Facile syntheses of fused azepinoindoles by Jourdan–Ullmann and Friedel–Crafts approaches

Hassan A. K. Abd El-Aal 0000-0003-4158-6960
 

Friedel–Crafts cyclisations of indole carboxylic acids or indole alcohols to tetracyclic azopinoindoles.

Indole fused N-heterocycles form the structural core of a large number of natural products and pharmaceuticals. These properties make them exciting targets for synthetic chemists, with a wide range of synthetic methodologies reported. However, these often have a number of drawbacks, including cost, scalability and low yields. Herein, we explore an efficient construction of benzo-, pyrido-, thieno-, naphtho-fused azepinoindolones and indolo-azepinoquinolinones from readily available starting materials through Lewis and Brønsted acid mediated Friedel–Crafts reactions. (Image credit: Hassan A. K. Abd El-Aal.)

CH25003 Abstract  | PDF (1.1 MB) - $35.00   | CH25003Supplementary Material (8.4 MB)
Published online 25 July 2025

CH25086Rational design and selection of next-generation cyclotide drugs using the knotted cyclic peptide scaffold MCoTI-II

Sven Ullrich 0000-0003-4184-7024, Grégoire Jean-Baptiste Philippe 0000-0001-8103-9211, Choi Yi Li 0000-0001-8823-3666 and Hiroaki Suga 0000-0002-5298-9186
 

Schematic showing the solution structure of MCoTI-II with cystine-knotted disulfide bridges highlighted.

This mini-review highlights tactics to engineer MCoTI-II, a cyclic cystine-knot peptide natural product, into next-generation therapeutics and diagnostics. Through both rational modification and genetically encoded selection platforms, variants of the MCoTI-II cyclotide have been developed for a diverse range of potential biomedical applications. (Image credit: Sven Ullrich.)

This article belongs to the collection: 70th Birthday tribute to Prof. David Craik.

CH25086 Abstract  | PDF (1.4 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 21 July 2025

CH25070The value of telling it like it was. The best honours project ever?

Christopher Barnett 0000-0002-8818-6908, Thomas Maschmeyer, Anthony F. Masters and Alexander K. L. Yuen 0000-0002-6908-8851
 

Cartoon by Sidney Harris of a reviewer of a chemical process saying ‘I think you should be more explicit here in step two’ where it says ‘Then a miracle occurs’

Undergraduate students should appreciate that chemical understanding is not static; what we teach is our ‘best guess’ to explain observables. Textbooks frequently conflate (and often incorrectly describe) the concept of the nucleus, inferred by Rutherford from Marsden’s ‘gold foil’ experiment, with the model of the nucleus, containing protons and neutrons, despite nearly 25 years between these advances. We argue that an opportunity is lost in the teaching of chemistry, to illustrate to students the incremental progress in chemistry and that the ‘wrong’ explanation can be very useful. (Image credit: © Sidney Harris, originally appearing in American Scientist in 1977, reproduced with permission.)

CH25070 Abstract  |  CH25070 Full Text  | CH25070PDF (780 KB)   Open Access Article

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Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

2024–25 RACI and AAS Award papers

This collection presents papers submitted by 2024–25 Australian Academy of Science and Royal Australian Chemical Institute Award winners.

The Guest Editor for this collection is Curt Wentrup (The University of Queensland)

Last Updated: 23 Sep 2025

70th Birthday tribute to Professor David Craik

This collection presents papers submitted as a tribute to Professor David Craik on the occasion of his 70th birthday.

Guest Editors for this collection are Prof. Ed Nice (Monash University), Prof. Mibel Aguilar (Monash University) & Prof. John Wade (The Florey)

Last Updated: 23 Sep 2025

10th Heron Island Conference

This collection in Aust. J. Chem. contains a selection of papers by delegates from the 10th Heron Island Conference on Reactive Intermediates and Unusual Molecules conference.

The Guest Editor for this collection is Curt Wentrup (The University of Queensland)

Last Updated: 02 Sep 2025

Beckwith Review Series

Beckwith Reviews honour the memory of Professor Athelstan (Athel) L. J. Beckwith, a remarkable man and an outstanding chemist. These invited reviews advance knowledge in current key areas of research in chemistry.

Last Updated: 04 Jun 2025

10th Anniversary Collection of RACI and AAS Award papers

This collection presents papers submitted by 2023–24 Australian Academy of Science and Royal Australian Chemical Institute Award winners.

All papers in this collection are Open Access and the foreword by the Guest Editor, Curt Wentrup of the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences at The University of Queensland, is free to read.

Last Updated: 10 Oct 2024

Primer Review Series

Primer Reviews are concise, authoritative overviews of important contemporary topics in the chemical sciences. They should appeal to advanced undergraduates, the general research chemist who is new to the field, as well as the expert. They provide a solid introduction to the development of a subject, the latest breakthrough results and their implications for the wider scientific community.

Last Updated: 12 Sep 2024

Cornforth Review Series

Cornforth Reviews honour the memory of Sir John Warcup Cornforth (usually known as Kappa to friends and colleagues). These invited reviews advance knowledge in current key areas of research in chemistry.

Last Updated: 22 Aug 2024

The Medicinal Chemistry Collection

Australian Journal of Chemistry is approaching its eighth decade of publishing key work across many spheres of chemistry, both national and international. As the current co-editors-in-chief, we are delighted to introduce this collection that highlights a selection of the finest recent articles in medicinal chemistry. We are proud to also highlight the significant contributions to medicinal chemistry research made by several outstanding women researchers.

Collection Editors
John Wade and George Koutsantonis

Last Updated: 01 Oct 2020

70 Years of Australian Journal of Chemistry: A Retrospective

This collection reflects the breadth and quality of science published in the Australian Journal of Chemistry by Australian scientists over the last seven decades. Papers were selected based on hard data (citations and downloads), but we also chose papers that reflect other criteria, such as landmarks in important aspects of chemical science; recognition of an influential individual; gender diversity; and simply to reflect the breadth of the journal’s output.

Last Updated: 07 Feb 2019

Nobel Laureates

Australian Journal of Chemistry is proud to have published the works of a number of Nobel prize winners of chemistry. This collection brings together the articles authored by these Nobel prize winners.

Last Updated: 01 Nov 2012

Committee on Publication Ethics

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